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If you resolve to do one thing in the New Year for your
pet then I would highly recommend pet health insurance.
"Jack" is one pet who is already covered and his
owner is consequently very relieved.
"Jack" was brought to me as his owner had become
increasingly concerned regarding stiffness in his left hindleg.
Examination of his affected limb demonstrated a marked restriction
in range of movement of his left knee (stifle). Palpation
of that area also revealed an obvious abnormal swelling.
He was quickly scheduled for radiography and examination
under sedation to cast further light on the problem. His
x-rays demonstrated a unusually large calcification within
his joint. An exporatory arthrotomy was scheduled to examine
the boney mass directly. It was clear from the location
of the boney lump that it was interfering with the normal
smooth action of the cartilage surfaces limiting both flexion
and extension of the joint.
The boney mass was then excised with an orthopaedic mallet
and osteotome. Immediately the joint was able to move more
freely and regain an excellent range of movement. Whilst
it not uncommon to have to remove the occasional small boney
mass or osteophyte whilst performing knee surgery these
are usually only a few milimetres in size. I have never
in all my experience had to remove something which was 3
inches in length from a patient's knee.
This type of case confirms that even after almost 24 years
as a veterinary surgeon there is always the possibility
of seeing something completely new and different.
The opportunity to treat "Jack" correctly is
greatly helped by the knowledge that his insurance company
are picking up his bill of £1200! Two months on and
"Jack's" rehabilitation is going remarkably well
and the prospects for both him and his owner look good!
Terry
Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS
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